Methods, Systems, and Products for Power Management in Cable Assemblies

ABSTRACT

Cable assemblies react to electrical power. A visual indicator in a cable assembly changes color in response to the electrical power. The visual indicator, for example, may respond to heat or electromagnetic field in the cable assembly. In smart cables, a controller may activate the visual indicator in response to the electrical power applied to the cable.

COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its attachmentscontain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patentand Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Conductive cables are common in today's communications environment.Cables connect networked devices in homes and businesses. Cables alsotransfer electrical power from electrical outlets and chargers.Unfortunately, a cable may also transfer unexpected electrical potentialbetween devices, thus damaging the cable itself and perhaps theconnected devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments arebetter understood when the following Detailed Description is read withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 are simplified schematics illustrating an environment in whichexemplary embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating a range of colors of a visualindicator, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 4-5 are schematics illustrating a visual indicator for a cableassembly, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 6-7 are sectional views of a cable head, according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating physical contact of the visualindicator, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 9-12 are sectional views illustrating a molten condition of thevisual indicator, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating magnification of the visualindicator, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 14-17 are block diagrams illustrating processor-controlledactivation of the visual indicator, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 18-20 are schematics illustrating interface capabilities of thecable assembly, according to exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 21-26 are block diagrams illustrating power transformation by thecable assembly, according to exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 27-28 are flowcharts illustrating an algorithm for monitoringelectrical power in the cable assembly, according to exemplaryembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodimentsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those ofordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein recitingembodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended toencompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof.Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include bothcurrently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in thefuture (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function,regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplaryembodiments. The functions of the various elements shown in the figuresmay be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well ashardware capable of executing associated software. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. Itwill be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,”“including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected”or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first device could be termed asecond device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a firstdevice without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-2 are simplified schematics illustrating an environment in whichexemplary embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 1 illustrates a cableassembly 20 interconnecting two devices 22 and 24. The devices 22 and24, for simplicity, are illustrated as a mobile, laptop computer 26 anda mobile smartphone 28. The devices 22 and 24, though, may be any hostand accessory pairing between computing systems. The devices 22 and 24,for example, may be any peripheral device, router, switch, gateway,tablet, computer, or any other processor- or non-processor-controlledsystem. Regardless, as FIG. 2 illustrates, the cable assembly 20 has afirst head 30 at one end 32 and a second head 34 at an opposite end 36.The cable assembly 20 has internal metallic or other conductiveconductors, which are well known and not shown for simplicity. The cableassembly 20 may even have a hybrid design, including both conductive andoptical fibers, which are also known and not shown for simplicity. Thefirst head 30 has a first connector 38, while the second head 34 has acorresponding second connector 40. The first connector 38 and the secondconnector 40 may have the same, or different, physical interfaces (suchas USB®, FIREWIRE®, LIGHTNING®, and/or DISPLAYPORT® connectors). Asthere are many known cable assemblies, this disclosure need not discussthe known features in detail. Indeed, as the cable assembly 20 isgenerally well known, its known details need not be further explained.

FIG. 2, though, illustrates a visual indicator 50. The visual indicator50 provides confirmation that some damage has occurred to the cableassembly 20. As the reader may understand, the cable assembly 20 maytransfer electrical power 52 along its internal conductors and/oroptical fibers. The cable assembly 20 may only be rated for a specificvoltage and amperage, or perhaps a range of voltages and currents.Nonetheless, the cable assembly 20 may be subjected or exposed toexcessive voltage and/or current due to incorrect connections, shorts,overloading, external power spikes (such as lightning strikes), and manyother causes. Any excessive electrical power 52 may physically damagethe cable assembly 20, such as scorching, melting, or other physicalchange.

The visual indicator 50 reveals the damage. The visual indicator 50 maychange in some way when heat, voltage, and/or current is generated byexcessive electrical power 52. FIG. 2 illustrates the visual indicator50 applied to an outer sheath or insulator 54 of the cable assembly 20.The visual indicator 50 changes its visual appearance whenever the cableassembly 20 experiences the excessive electrical power 52. The visualindicator 50, for example, may have a green color for a fifteen Amp(15A) rating, thus visually indicating that the cable assembly 20 isoperating within its permissible current range. However, a thirty Amp(30A) current may cause the visual indicator 50 to drastically changecolor (perhaps to red or black), thus temporarily or permanentlyindicating the excessive electrical power 52. Even a pinch or fold inthe cable assembly 20 may change its electrical resistance, so thevisual indicator 50 may indicate physical damage in a specific region ofthe cable assembly 20. The visual indicator 50 thus reveals excessivecurrent and/or voltage within the cable assembly 20.

The visual indicator 50 may be applied to any cable. The ability toidentify the excessive electrical power 52 helps reduce or avoid datainterruptions and even catastrophic failures (such as fire hazards). Thevisual indicator 50 may be applied to data cables, power cables,extension cords, power bars, and even electrical outlets. For example,the visual indicator 50 may indicate potential failures in ETHERNET®,coaxial cables, and charging cords. For example, the visual indicator 50may be applied to any “Power over Ethernet” cable in which electricalpower and data are conveyed Ethernet cabling. Electrical power may becarried on the same conductors as the data, or electrical power may becarried on dedicated conductors in the cable assembly 20. The visualindicator 50 may even be added to an Ethernet cable that is “repurposed”to a “Power over Ethernet” cable.

The visual indicator 50 may have any composition. For example, thevisual indicator 50 may include any thermochromic material that isapplied to, or molded into, the outer sheath or insulator 54 of thecable assembly 20. Thermochromic materials are known to change colorwhen subjected to heat. The visual indicator 50 may additionally oralternatively include any electrorheological/magnetorheological materialor fluid that changes color in the presence of an electrical/magneticfield. The visual indicator 50 may even be processor controlled to emitvisible light, as later paragraphs will explain.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating a range 51 of colors of the visualindicator 50, according to exemplary embodiments. Here the visualindicator 50 may assume one of the colors 53 in the range 51 of colorsin the presence of different heats or fields. That is, the visualindicator 50 may gradually or quickly change colors within a spectrum,in response to several different heat or field exposures. The range 51of colors may be chemically formulated to coincide with the differentheats or fields. Different values of the electrical power 52 may causethe visual indicator 50 to indicate a different one of the range 51 ofcolors. Should the electrical power 52 in the cable assembly 20 be lessthan 50% of its rated value, for example, perhaps the visual indicator50 makes no change or assumes a color 53 in a lower spectrum. Yet, asthe electrical power 52 approaches rated capacity, the visual indicator50 may change to a different color 53 higher in the spectrum. The visualindicator 50 thus informs the user that the cable assembly 20 isapproaching its rated capacity. The higher spectrum color 53 thus alertsthe user to avoid inadvertent overload of the cable assembly 20. WhileFIG. 3 only illustrates a few different colors 53, in practice thevisual indicator 50 may be chemically tuned for many different colorsfor many different electrical powers 52.

FIGS. 4-5 are schematics further illustrating the visual indicator 50,according to exemplary embodiments. Here the visual indicator 50 isincorporated into at least one of the heads 30 and 34 of the cableassembly 20. FIG. 4, for example, illustrates the first head 30including the visual indicator 50, yet the second head 34 mayadditionally or alternatively include another visual indicator 56.Regardless, the visual indicator (50 and 56) indicates the correspondinghead (30 and 34) has been exposed to the excessive electrical power 52within the cable assembly 20.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the first head 30. The sectional view istaken along line L₄ (illustrated as reference numeral 60) of FIG. 4. Thefirst head 30 is enlarged for clarity of features. The internal metallicconductors 62 and/or optical fibers 64 may originate, or terminate, atthe corresponding connector 38. A portion of the internal metallicconductors 62 and/or optical fibers 64 may thus be inserted through thefirst head 30. Alternatively, the first head 30 may be over molded ontoand around the internal metallic conductors 62 and/or optical fibers 64.Regardless, should the internal metallic conductors 62 and/or opticalfibers 64 be subjected to the excessive electrical power (illustrated asreference numeral 52 in FIGS. 2-4), the corresponding heat and/orelectromagnetic field may cause the visual indicator 50 to change itsappearance. The visual indicator 50 may be adhesively adhered (using anadhesive 66) to an outer surface 68 of the first head 30, thus beingvisible from an inspection of the first head 30. For example, as theexcessive electrical power 52 is applied, any heat may outwardly radiateor conduct from the conductor 62, through a material housing 70 of thefirst head 30, to the visual indicator 50. The excessive electricalpower 52 thus increases the ambient temperature of the visual indicator50. Similarly, an electrical/magnetic field propagates from theconductor 62 through the material housing 70 to the visual indicator 50.The heat and/or field thus causes the visual indicator 50 to change itsvisual appearance.

FIGS. 6-7 are more sectional views of the first head 30, according toexemplary embodiments. The sectional views are again taken along line L₄(illustrated as reference numeral 60) of FIG. 4. Here, though, thevisual indicator 50 may insert into the housing 70 of the first head 30.The housing 70 may have a recess 80 into which the visual indicator 50inserts. The recess 80 has a floor 82 and a wall 84. The recess 80 mayhave any diameter and cross-sectional shape to suit the design of thevisual indicator 50 and/or the first head 30. The wall 84 has a heightthat defines a depth 86 of the recess 80. The visual indicator 50 may besecured within the recess 80 (such as perhaps using the adhesive 66illustrated in FIG. 5). However, any mechanical fastener, weld, or anyother means for securing the visual indicator 50 secured within therecess 80 may be used.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating physical contact, according toexemplary embodiments. The sectional view is again taken along line L₄(illustrated as reference numeral 60) of FIG. 4. Here the visualindicator 50 may physically contact one or more of the internal metallicconductors 60 and/or optical fibers 62 within the first head 30. Thatis, the recess 80 extends down into the housing 70 to a depth 90 ofintersection. The recess 80 may thus be a well 92 that is molded, bored,or drilled into the first head 30. The visual indicator 50 may beinserted into, or pressed into, the well 92 and into physically contactwith at least one of the internal metallic conductors 60 and/or opticalfibers 62 within the first head 30. Any means for securing the visualindicator 50 within the well 92 may be used. Regardless, any heat and/orfield thus causes the visual indicator 50 to change its visualappearance.

FIGS. 9-12 are sectional views illustrating a molten condition,according to exemplary embodiments. The sectional views are again takenalong line L₄ (illustrated as reference numeral 60) of FIG. 4. Here thevisual indicator 50 lies within the recess 80 and melts in response tothe excessive electrical power (illustrated as reference numeral 52 inFIGS. 2-4). As FIG. 9 illustrates, the visual indicator 50 normally hasa solid state 100. That is, the visual indicator 50 has a chemicalcomposition that is a solid at temperatures in the normal operatingrange of voltage or current in the internal metallic conductors 60and/or optical fibers 62 within the first head 30. As FIG. 10illustrates, though, the visual indicator 50 may change to a moltenstate 102 when the excessive electrical power is experienced. Theexcessive electrical power in the internal metallic conductors 60generates heat that conducts to the visual indicator 50. The heat altersthe visual indicator 50 from its solid state 100 to its molten state102. The visual indicator 50 may thus transform to a gel or even to aliquid form to indicate the excessive electrical power 52.

FIG. 11 illustrates containment of the molten state 102. As the readermay predict, the molten state 102 may itself cause problems, with a gelor liquid possibly contaminating nearby equipment and creating anelectrical hazard if electrically conductive. The recess 80, then, mayhave a cover 104 to contain the molten state 102 of the visual indicator50. The cover 104 may be sized to an outer circumference or perimeter ofthe recess 80. The molten state 102 of the visual indicator 50 may thusbe sealed within an inner volume (perhaps as defined by the wall 84 andfloor 82, as illustrated in FIG. 7) of the recess 80. The cover 104 ispreferably transparent, even colorless or clear, to ensure the moltenstate 102 of the visual indicator 50 is observable.

FIG. 12 illustrates a moveable lid 110 that contains the molten state102. Here the visual indicator 50 may be replaced within the recess 80.That is, the lid 110 may slide, rotate, or remove to permit access to aninterior compartment defined by the recess 80. A hinge 112, for example,would permit opening the recess 80 to replace an old, expired, ordefective visual indicator 50. The visual indicator 50 may thus beremoved and replaced with a new version. As another example, when heatfrom the excessive electrical power 52 alters the visual indicator 50 toits molten state 102, the cable assembly 20 may be removed and repaired.The moveable lid 110 would thus allow a new visual indicator 50 to beinstalled within the recess 80, thus renewing the cable assembly 20 forsubsequent use.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating magnification, according toexemplary embodiments. Here the first head 30 may optically diffuse thevisual indicator 50, thus creating a magnification of the visualindicator 50. As the first head 30 of the cable assembly 20 may only befinger sized, the visual indicator 50 may be too small for reliableobservance. The first head 30, then, may have optically diffusivequalities that magnify the visual indicator 50 for enhanced perception.As FIG. 13 illustrates, the cover 104 to the recess 80 may spread out animage of the visual indicator 50 to optically produce a magnified image120. An outer surface 122 of the cover 104, for example, may have aconvex cross-sectional contour 124, thus acting as a magnifying lens toenlarge an appearance of the visual indicator 50. Magnification may alsobe applied to the moveable lid 110.

FIGS. 14-17 are block diagrams illustrating processor-controlledactivation, according to exemplary embodiments. As FIG. 14 illustrates,the cable assembly 20 may have a controller 130 that managescommunication between the devices 22 and 24. The first head 30, forexample, may include the controller 130 for managing serial or parallelcommunication between the devices 22 and 24. Even the second head 34 mayhave its own controller, as later paragraphs will explain. For now,though, FIG. 15 illustrates the controller 130 operating within thefirst head 30. The controller 130 may have a processor 132 (e.g., “μP”),application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other component thatexecutes a power management algorithm 134 stored in a memory 136. Thecontroller 130 detects the presence of one or both of the devices 22 and24 (illustrated in FIG. 14) detachably connected to the cable assembly20. While the controller 130 manages communications with the devices 22and 24, the controller 130 also manages the electrical power 52propagating along the cable assembly 20. That is, the power managementalgorithm 134 is a set of programming, code, or instructions that causethe processor 54 to perform operations of monitoring the current,voltage, and/or the electrical power 52 applied to, or received by, theconnector 38. Should the processor 132 determine that the electricalpower 52 exceeds a rating of the cable assembly 20, the processor 132may take actions to protect the cable assembly 20.

The processor 132 may activate the visual indicator 50. Here the visualindicator 50 (such as a light emitting diode or “LED”) illuminates tovisually warn of the excessive electrical power 52. The light emittingdiode, for example, may insert into, or be observable from, the recess80 in the housing 70 (as FIG. 6 illustrated). The transparent cover 104may protect the light emitting diode installed within, or protrudingfrom, the recess 80 (as FIGS. 11-13 illustrate). The transparent cover104 may further magnify an output of the light emitting diode, asearlier explained. Furthermore, the power management algorithm 134 maycause the processor 54 to illuminate the light emitting diode using ared output to indicate the excessive electrical power 52. The lightemitting diode may have a green output under normal operatingconditions.

FIG. 16 further illustrates power management. Here the processor 132 maymonitor the current, voltage, and/or electrical power 52 applied to, orreceived by, any pin 140 in the connector 38. The connector 38, forexample, may have several connection pins 142, such has those found inconventional connectors. The processor 132 may monitor the electricalpower 52 at any individual pin 140 in the connector 38. Should the pin140 experience the excessive electrical power 52, the processor 132 mayactivate or change the visual indicator 50 to indicate a fault.

FIG. 17 illustrates pin-by-pin power management. Should any individualpin 140 experience the excessive electrical power 52, the processor 132may isolate the pin 140. That is, the processor 132 may open ordisconnect a connection to the pin 140, thus severing electricalconnection and/or communication from the pin 140. A bank 144 ofswitches, for example, may be micro- or nano-sized to electricallyisolate any one of the pins 142. Each individual switch in the bank 144of switches may be individually activated and/or addressed by theprocessor 132 to selectively open or close a corresponding electricalconnection with the pin 140. Should the individual pin 140 experiencethe excessive electrical power 52, the processor 132 may physicallyand/or logically open the corresponding switch to protect the cableassembly 20. The processor 132 may also activate or change the visualindicator 50 to indicate a fault.

FIGS. 18-20 are schematics illustrating interface capabilities of thecable assembly 20, according to exemplary embodiments. Because the cableassembly 20 may manage or provide communications between the two devices22 and 24, the controller 130 may perform interface operations. That is,when the cable assembly 20 interconnects the two devices 22 and 24, thepower management algorithm 134 may cause the controller 130 to detectand identify the two devices 22 and 24. The controller 130 may thenretrieve and execute a communications protocol 150 required by eitherdevice 22 or 24. The controller 130 may thus translate any datacommunicating along the cable assembly into different formats.

FIG. 19 is a more detailed illustration. The cable assembly 20 maymanage serial communication 166, and/or parallel communication 168,between the first device 22 and the second device 24. The serialcommunication 166 sends data 170 one bit at a time, sequentially, overone or more of the internal metallic conductors and/or optical fibers(not shown for simplicity). However, the cable assembly 20 may utilizethe parallel communication 168 in which the data 170 is sent in severalbits at a time, perhaps using parallel channels, over the internalmetallic conductors and/or optical fibers.

Protocols are executed. The first device 22 may require a hostcommunications (or “Comm”) protocol 172, while the second device 24 mayrequire an accessory communications protocol 174. As the reader mayrealize, the cable assembly 20 may interconnect a wide variety ofdevices from different manufacturers, each perhaps requiring a differentinput/output formatting. So, when the second device 24 sends the data170 to the first device 22, the data 170 may need to be formatted to theinput/output format required by the first device 22. The controller 130in the first head 30 may thus convert the data 170 into the hostcommunications protocol 172 required by the first device 22. The powermanagement algorithm 134 instructs the controller 130 to translate thedata 170 into reformatted data using the host communications protocol172. Similarly, when the first device 22 sends the data 170 to thesecond device 24, the data 170 may need to be formatted according to theinput/output format required by the second device 24. The powermanagement algorithm 134 may thus instruct the controller 130 totranslate the data 170 into reformatted data using the accessorycommunications protocol 174. The serial and/or parallel data 170 is thusconverted to the appropriate input/output format desired by a receivingdevice. The cable assembly 20 thus provides a communications interfacebetween the second device 24 and the first device 22.

FIG. 20 illustrates a database 180 of parameters. Because the cableassembly 20 may interconnect a wide variety of devices from differentmanufacturers, the devices 20 and 24 may self-identify themselves. Thatis, when the cable assembly 20 is physically connected to any device 20or 24, the device 20 or 24 self-identifies itself to the controller 130.The controller 130 then queries the database 180 of parameters for thecorresponding formatting. FIG. 20, for example, illustrates the database180 of parameters as a table 182 that maps, associates, or relates thedifferent communications protocols 150 to different formattingparameters 184. While FIG. 19 only illustrates a few of the manydifferent communications protocols 150, in practice the database 180 ofparameters may have many entries for most or all communicationsprotocols 150. Regardless, the controller 130 receives thecommunications protocol 150 and queries the database 180 of parametersfor the corresponding formatting parameters 184. FIG. 20 illustrates thedatabase 180 of parameters as being locally stored in the memory 136 ofthe cable assembly 20, but the database 180 of parameters may beremotely accessed at any network location from any communicationsnetwork. Regardless, the controller 130 retrieves the formattingparameters 184 that correspond to the required communications protocol150. If the controller 130 is unable to retrieve the desiredcommunications protocol 150, or unable to perform a translation, thepower management algorithm 134 may cause the controller 130 to activateor change the visual indicator 50 to indicate a fault.

FIGS. 21-26 are block diagrams illustrating power transformation by thecable assembly 20, according to exemplary embodiments. Here the cableassembly 20 may transform electrical power into a different voltage,current, and/or frequency. When the cable assembly 20 is physicallyconnected between the devices 20 and 24, the cable assembly 20 maytransfer the electrical power 52 along its internal conductors (notshown for simplicity). The first device 22, for example, may pass ordeliver the electrical power 52 via the cable assembly 20 to the seconddevice 24. The electrical power 52, however, may need to be transformedto suit the requirements of the second device 24. The power managementalgorithm 134 may thus cause the controller 130 to instruct atransformer 190 to output a transformed electrical power 192. FIG. 22illustrates the transformer 190 integrated into and operating within thefirst head 30, while FIG. 23 illustrates the transformer 190interconnected in-line between the first head 30 and the second head 34.Regardless, when the electrical power 52 is sent along the cableassembly 20, the controller 130 instructs the transformer 190 to outputthe transformed electrical power 192 at the voltage, current, and/orfrequency desired by the second device 24. If the controller 130determines that the transformer 190 is unable to output the transformedelectrical power 192, the power management algorithm 134 may cause thecontroller 130 to activate or change the visual indicator 50 to indicatea fault.

FIG. 24 illustrates a power requirement 200. Again, because the cableassembly 20 may interface with a wide variety of devices from differentmanufacturers, the cable assembly 20 may need the power requirement 200of many different manufacturers' devices. Here, then, the cable assembly20 may receive the power requirement 200 for a connected device. As FIG.24 illustrates, the second device 22 may send its voltage, current,frequency, or other power requirement 200 to the controller 130. Thecontroller 130 receives the power requirement 200 and generates a powerinstruction 202 for the transformer 190. The transformer 190 may thus beinstructed to receive the electrical power 52 from the first device 22and to output the transformed electrical power 192, according to thecorresponding power requirement 200 of the second device 24. If thepower transformation fails, the power management algorithm 134 may causethe controller 130 to activate or change the visual indicator 50 toindicate a fault.

FIG. 25 further illustrates the database 180 of parameters. Here thedatabase 180 of parameters may include entries for different powerrequirements 200 of different devices. Again, because the cable assembly20 may interface with a wide variety of devices from differentmanufacturers, the cable assembly 20 may need the power requirements 200of many different manufacturers' devices. Here, then, the database 180of parameters may also include entries for the different powerrequirements 200 for different device identifiers 210. That is, when anydevice (such as 22 or 24) self-identifies itself to the controller 130in the cable assembly 20, the device 22 or 24 may send its correspondingdevice identifier 210 (such as a model number, manufacturer, or otherunique identifier). The controller 130 queries the database 180 ofparameters for the corresponding power requirements 200. The controller130 retrieves the power requirements 200 that are associated with thedevice identifier 210. The controller 130 generates and sends the powerinstruction 202 to the transformer 190 to output the corresponding powerrequirements 200. If the power transformation fails, the powermanagement algorithm 134 may cause the controller 130 to activate orchange the visual indicator 50 to indicate a fault.

FIG. 26 illustrates self-diagnosis of the power transformation. Here thefirst head 30 connects to the first device 22 and has its own controller130. The second head 34 connects to the second device 24 and has its owncorresponding second controller 220. Once the power requirements 200 ofthe second device 24 are known (as explained above), the transformer 190is instructed to output the power requirements 200 of the second device24. The second controller 220 in the second head 34, for example, sendsthe power instruction 202 to the transformer 190. The transformer 190 isthus instructed to output the corresponding power requirement 200 of thesecond device 24. The second controller 220 in the second head 34 maythen compare the transformed electrical power 192, output by thetransformer 190, to the power requirements 200 of the second device 24.Any power difference 222 is compared to a threshold value 224. If thepower difference 222 exceeds the threshold value 224, then the secondcontroller 220 in the second head 34 may determine that the powertransformation has erred. That is, a problem may exist in thetransformer 190 and/or in some other component of the cable assembly 20.Regardless, the power management algorithm 134 may thus cause the secondcontroller 220 to activate the visual indicator 50 to visually alert ofthe problem.

FIGS. 27-28 are flowcharts illustrating an algorithm for monitoringelectrical power, according to exemplary embodiments. Electrical power52 applied to a connector is monitored (Block 300). The electrical power52 is compared to one or more threshold values 224 (Block 302). Theelectrical power 52, for example, may be compared to a range of normaloperating values (Block 304). If the electrical power 52 lies within therange of normal operating values, the visual indicator 50 is activatedto illuminate a first color (perhaps “green”) indicating normaloperation (Block 306). If the electrical power 52 lies outside the rangeof normal operating values, the electrical power is compared to amaximum threshold value (Block 308). The maximum threshold value may bean upper limit of the electrical power 52 at which damage may occur tothe cable assembly 20. If the electrical power 52 is less than themaximum threshold value, a cautionary mode of operation is entered(Block 310). The visual indicator 50 is activated to illuminate a secondcolor (perhaps “yellow”) to indicate an abnormal current or voltage hasbeen detected (Block 312). If the electrical power 52 exceeds themaximum threshold value, a damage mode of operation is entered (Block314). The visual indicator 50 is activated to illuminate a third color(perhaps “red”) indicating damage may have occurred (Block 316).

The algorithm continues with FIG. 28. The connector 38 or 40 may beisolated in response to the electrical power 52 exceeding the thresholdvalue (Block 318). An electrical connection to the connector 38 or 40may be opened in response to the electrical power 52 exceeding thethreshold value (Block 320). A switch to the connector 38 or 40 (in thebank 144 of switches) may open in response to the electrical power 52exceeding the threshold value (Block 322). A switch to the pin 140 inthe connector 38 or 40 may open in response to the electrical power 52exceeding the threshold value (Block 324).

Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in acomputer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable medium mayinclude CD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, USB, andlarge-capacity disks. This computer-readable medium, or media, could bedistributed to end-subscribers, licensees, and assignees. A computerprogram product comprises processor-executable instructions formonitoring electrical power in the cable assembly 20, as the aboveparagraphs explained.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited.Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplaryembodiments.

1. A cable assembly, comprising: a processor; and a memory storinginstructions that when executed causes the processor to performoperations, the operations comprising: monitoring electrical powerapplied to a connector in the cable assembly; comparing the electricalpower to a threshold value; and activating a visual indicator in thecable assembly to indicate the electrical power exceeds the thresholdvalue.
 2. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise illuminating the visual indicator in a head of the cableassembly.
 3. The cable assembly of claim 2, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: comparing the electrical power to different thresholdvalues; and activating the visual indicator to output different colors,each one of the different colors indicating satisfaction of one of thedifferent threshold values.
 4. The cable assembly of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise serially communicating with a hostdevice connected to the connector in the cable assembly.
 5. The cableassembly of claim 4, wherein the operations further compriseauthenticating the host device to the cable assembly.
 6. The cableassembly of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise seriallycommunicating with an accessory device connected to the connector in thecable assembly.
 7. The cable assembly of claim 6, wherein the operationsfurther comprise authenticating the accessory device to the cableassembly.
 8. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise isolating the connector in response to the electricalpower exceeding the threshold value.
 9. The cable assembly of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise opening an electrical connectionto the connector in response to the electrical power exceeding thethreshold value.
 10. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise opening a switch to the connector inresponse to the electrical power exceeding the threshold value.
 11. Thecable assembly of claim 1, wherein the operations further compriseopening a switch to a pin in the connector in response to the electricalpower exceeding the threshold value.
 12. A cable assembly, comprising: ahead having a connector; a controller monitoring electrical powerapplied to the connector, the controller comparing the electrical powerto a threshold value; and a visual indicator in the head that isactivated in response to the electrical power exceeding the thresholdvalue.
 13. The cable assembly of claim 12, further comprising a recessin the head into which the visual indicator inserts.
 14. The cableassembly of claim 13, further comprising a cover protecting the visualindicator in the recess, the cover having a contour that magnifies anappearance of the visual indicator.
 15. The cable assembly of claim 13,further comprising a lid protecting the visual indicator in the recess,the lid moveable to replace the visual indicator.
 16. The cable assemblyof claim 15, wherein the lid has a contour that magnifies an appearanceof the visual indicator.
 17. The cable assembly of claim 12, wherein thevisual indicator is a light emitting diode.
 18. The cable assembly ofclaim 12, further comprising a switch that opens to electrically isolatethe connector in response to the electrical power exceeding thethreshold value.
 19. The cable assembly of claim 12, further comprisinga switch that opens to electrically isolate a pin in the connector inresponse to the electrical power exceeding the threshold value.
 20. Acable assembly, comprising: an outer sheath protecting an internalconductor; a head having a connector, the conductor passing through thehead and electrically connected to the connector; and a visual indicatordisposed in a well in the head, the well having floor at a depth ofintersection at which the visual indicator physically contacts theconductor, the visual indicator having a chemical composition thatchanges color in response to electrical power in the conductor.